Group Earth Art therapy

Provides focused support spaces, where each group session and program is co-designed with consideration of the community context, and needs of the group. Hearth delivers group spaces in community settings from an Open Studio and Theme Based approach.

Connect & Create

Theme based techniques aim to inspire members to begin art-making, and respond to a directive that evolves from the life of the group. This can ease anxiety and help facilitate a cohesive environment, by inviting the group to actively reflect on a central theme that collectively resonates.

Connect & Create is a 9 week nature and art program co-designed to support the holistic wellbeing of Indigenous girls, young women, and their families living in remote communities across the Northern Territory. This theme based program brings community together on Country to share stories, create art, and strengthen relationships in a supportive female focused space. It honours Indigenous knowledge systems, values deep listening, and fosters belonging through creativity, culture, and connection.

  • Session 1: Community program development

  • Session 2: Group identity guidelines, values and formation.

  • Session 3: Family, home & land

  • Session 4: Exploring identity through mask-making

  • Session 5: Intergenerational sharing on Country & Dream time story

  • Session 6: Culture & Connection

  • Session 7: Tie-dye, screen printing and T-shirt making

  • Session 8: Evaluation & reflective group paintings

  • Session 9: Group closure, feedback & celebration.

Art Voice Creative Choice

Open Studio offers a space where the group can create, reflect, and share at their own pace. The openness of this approach supports self-directed healing, and creative autonomy for the group members to explore their inner worlds freely without being directed by a theme.

Art Voice Creative Choice is a school based Open Studio program, designed to support our younger generations in feeling heard, seen, and empowered. This style of group work provides members creative choice to experiment with diverse art materials, and develop their art voice through reflecting on whats created. Art-making can provide a less threatening approach through exploring ways of nonverbal communication, which offers relief from the anxiety young people so often feel when disclosing personal information to adults.

  • The first group session introduces the group to the program, explores what the space is used for, and what the role of the Art therapist is. The focus is connecting as a group and forming group identity through discussing expectations, values, mutual respect, consent & confidentiality.

    Group opening & check in:

    Each participant has the option to share how they are feeling in the here-and-now. The Art Therapist will highlight some common themes that might have arisen. The group will be invited to discuss these themes together and share thoughts and experiences.

    Intention for Art-making:

    The group is invited to set an intention for their art-making with the option of using themes that arose during the check-in, or self directing their creative experience. The intention frames the experience that members wish to have within the space.

    Art making activities:

    The studio space is set up with art stations that offer the participants an opportunity to experiment and explore different materials and processes. Educational warm up activities are given on how each material can be used, and the Art Therapist works alongside the group whilst offering any needed support.

    Check out & reflection:

    This time acts as a closing ritual where members can reflect on their art-making experience and explore themselves through what they’ve created.

  • Group theme-based Art Therapy

    • Provides structure and focus, making it easier for participants to explore specific topics.

    • Encourages shared understanding and connection, as group members reflect on a central theme.

    • Helps develop communication and interpersonal skills through guided discussion and feedback.

    • Can feel safer for those who prefer clear direction and boundaries.

    Open studio Art Therapy

    • Emphasizes freedom and self-direction, allowing individuals to create based on their own needs and pace.

    • Supports autonomy and personal expression without imposed themes or expectations.

    • Encourages intrinsic motivation and creativity, often leading to deeper self-exploration.

    • Accommodates diverse emotional states, as participants can engage at their own comfort level without pressure to share.